Ice removal track

ABSTRACT

There is provided a system for cutting thin ice ahead of a vessel into essentially triangular shaped blocks and moving the ice blocks under the surface of the ice. The system consists essentially of a centrally located ice cutter mounted on a vessel, two pivoting ice cutters which traverse a path between the central ice cutter and the extremities of an expanded framework mounted on port and starboard sides of the vessel. Each framework also contains a cutter which intersects the path cut by the traversing ice cutters. By their cooperative action, the ice is cut into a series of triangular shaped blocks which separate the blocks about the centerline of the vessel. The framework on the port and starboard sides of the vessel then acts to progressively move the blocks away from the vessel and under the surface of the ice providing an open water path through the ice which exceeds the width of the path provided.

[ Feb. 12, 1974 [CE REMOVAL TRACK [57] ABSTRACT There is provided a system for cutting thin ice ahead Inventor: Joseph F. Schirtzinger, Pasadena,

Calif.

of a vessel into essentially triangular shaped blocks and moving the ice blocks under the surface of the [73] Assignee: Air Logistics Corporation,

Pasadena, Calif.

June 19, 1972 Appl. No.: 263,988

ice. The system consists essentially of a centrally located ice cutter mounted on a vessel, two pivoting ice [22] Filed:

cutters which traverse a path between the central ice cutter and the extremities of an expanded framework mounted on port and starboard sides of the vessel. [52] US. 114/42, 114/40 Each framework also contains a cutter which Hep [51] lint. B63b 35/12 sects the path cut by the traversing ice cuttem By Fleld Of Search 41, 42, their Cooperative action, the ice is Cut into a series of triangular shaped blocks which separate the blocks about the centerline of the vessel. The framework on [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS the port and starboard sides of the vessel then acts to 3,521,592 7/1970 Rosner et 114/42 progressively move the blocks away from the vessel 3,636,904 l/l972 114/41 Blanchet............................... and under the surface of the ice providing an open water path through the ice which exceeds the width of the path provided.

Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Assistant ExaminerRandolph A. Reese Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Christie, Parker & Hale 7 Chums 3 Drawmg Flgul'es PATENTED 791 328 I sum 10F 2 PATENTEB FEB 1 21974 SHEET 2 0F 2 tea REMOVAL TRACK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ice formations preclude the transportation of cargo and the like in lakes by vessels for many months of each year. Ice breaking vessels have been employed, but have been established to be of limited utility.

After a lapse of many years, there has been a resumption of activity in connection with the development of systems for cutting ice to permit the passage of vessels into icebound areas.

Forinstance, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,468,277 to Rosner et al., there is provided an ice cutting system for marine vessels in which there is provided at least one ice engaging unit supported on the prow of the vessel. The unit consists of a plurality of spaced ice chippers which rotate on what amounts to be a plurality of horizontally disposed endless chains secured to and driven by a plurality of spaced gear mounted on parallel shafts. The chippers engage the ice and break the ice into small chunks to clear a path ahead of the vessel.

In [1.8. Pat. No. 3,521,592, also to Rosner et al., there is provided an ice channel cutter for mounting on the prow of a vessel which consists of a plurality of parallel spaced vertically mounted ice engaging units each having an array of radially extending ice chopping blades, or cutters. The ice chopper rotates simultaneously with the forward motion of the vessel and chops the ice into relatively small chunks which are carried rearwardly around the vessel or downwardly under the vessel.

In working with the systems described in the aforementioned patents, it has been found that energy expenditure required to cut a wide clear path through the ice when all of the ice in the path of travel is chopped into chunks of, say, three to four inches in size, is high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a system for cutting a wide, open path through relatively thin ice.

The system consists of a first ice cutter centrally mounted on the bow ofa seagoing vessel. There is prov vided a pair of pivotally mounted traversing ice cutters which cut a path extending from the central ice cutter to some point beyond the port and starboard extremities of the vessel where there is positioned on an extended port and starboard framework ice cutters which define the extremity of the swath of the path being cut. As a consequence of the centrally located ice cutter, the ice ahead of the vessel is cut into groups oftriangularly" shaped blocks, each passing to the port and starboard side of the vessel.

There is provided on the frameworks which extend beyond the port and starboard sides of the vessel, runners or guiding surfaces which intersect the severed port and starboard ice blocks and progressively push them away from the vessel and downwardly under the surface of the ice to provide an open path.

The system provided in accordance with the invention is particularly useful on a tug which tows a cargo bearing barge wider than the tug to provide an open path through the ice for passage of the cargo-bearing barge, or for use by a tug alone, to maintain an open path through the ice for the passage of following vessels.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the operation of the ice removal system of this invention as associated with a tug.

FIG. 2 shows the system in its framework in a retracted position where the track is retractable and where the ice cutting function is no longer called for.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one ice cutting mechanism which may be employed on each ice cutter used on the vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference first to FIG. 1, there is shown a seagoing vessel 10, typically a tug, containing its full complement of power requirements for the operation of the vessel and ice cutting mechanisms powered by it, as well as housing requirements for the crew and navigational aids. Centrally mounted on the bow ofvessel 10 is a first ice cutting means 12 which cuts a path through the ice along the center line of the vessel. The central ice cutting cutter, as shown, is provided with its own motor 14, or in the alternative, may simply be a housing for ice cutter l6 driven by some means internal to the vessel.

Mounted on the port and starboard sides of the vessel are fixed, or as shown, a retractably extended framework 18, the functions of which will be explained in detail below.

On the vessel there is provided a pair of pivotably mounted ice cutters 20 which traverse a path between the centrally mounted ice cutter 12 and the ice cutters 22 mounted on framework 18.

As used herein, the term ice cutter is a means which functions to cut ice by a chipping and/or cutting action with chipping being preferred and as less energy is required to chip ice into chunks as opposed to cutting into fine pieces. Each may be driven by individual motor associated with each or driven by mechanisms within vessel 10 such as chain and sprocket drives and the like.

Ice cutter 12, which as indicated, is located centrally to vessel 10, cuts a path along the center line of the vessel.

Traversing ice cutters have pivoting arms 24 which may have, mounted on the extremity thereof, motors 26 to drive cutters 16. These, in general, traverse a path between the central ice cutter l2 and the ice cutters 22 mounted on framework 18, on both port and starboard sides of vessel 10.

While ice cutters 12 and framework mounted ice cutters 22 cut a central and port and starboard path through the ice, traversing ice cutters 20 cut intersecting paths which break the ice ahead of the vessel into two sections 28, which are generally triangular in shape and move to each side of the vessel by the initial diverting action of the vessel bow.

Rods 30, mounted on the frames 19 of framework 18, are connected to inclined runners or guiding surfaces 31 which progressively engage the triangular shaped blocks of ice and progressively urge them away from the vessel and downward and under the main ice body 32 to provide an open water path 34 for passage of barge 36 or following seagoing vessels.

When the track is retractable, it is held in its ice path cutting function in an extended position by pivoting arms 38. To enable it to be retractable, there is provided a series of hinges 40 which permit return of track 18 to the side of vessel by the return rotation of arms 38 pulling on rods 42.

When track 18 is retractable, retraction occurs by a cooperation of its structure in conjunction with pivoting arms 38 operating by rods 42.

To enable retraction, framework 18 is provided with a plurality of rigid frame members 19 interconnected by hinges 40. Some of frame members 19 support rods 30 which are, in turn, connected to the inclined runners or guiding surfaces 31 which progressively engage the triangular shaped blocks of ice, as they progress towards the stern of vessel 10 and move them down and under the surface of ice 32.

Frame members 19 which support the inclined runners or guiding surfaces 31 when extended, are positioned at some angle to the side of vessel 10. Interconnecting frame members are generally perpendicular to the side of vessel 10.

To draw frameworks 18 back to a port and starboard side of vessel 1417, arms 38 are rotated inward towards the sides of the vessel. They pull on rods 42 which acts to draw rear frame members 21, to which they are connected, forward. By virtue of hinges 40, outward members 19 may either be drawn forward or rearward relative to the sides of vessel 10 to collapse framework 18 in an accordian like manner and move all of its constituents including the port and starboard framework mounted ice cutters 22 to the port and starboard sides of vessel 10.

By reversing the operation, namely by rotating arms 38 in a port and starboard direction, rods 42 are forced outward and rearward causing frame members 21 to act in cooperation with hinges 40 to extend the balance of frame members 19 of framework 18 materially beyond the port and starboard sides of vessel 10. The expanded and contracted positions of framework 18 are shown in attached FIGS. 1 and 2.

Since ice has a natural buoyancy relative to water, the individual blocks which have been cut and progressively moved away from and under the surface of the ice, are held under the surface of the ice for a time at least sufficient for the vessels towed by or following vessel 10 having the ice removal track provided with clear passage through the ice.

Where current flow is present the distributed ice blocks may return by current action but flow as free blocks through the path cut to be discarded and enable passage of any number of vessels.

When the action of the ice removal system of this invention is no longer called for, and where the framework 18 is retractable, arms 38 are pivoted inwardly toward the vessel drawing the track in against the port and starboard side of the vessel as shown in FIG. 2.

Arms 20 are also returned to a central location and the action of the ice chippers disengaged to minimize power requirements of the vessel as well as drag.

With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a typical arrangement of an ice cutter employed in the practice of this invention. lt consists essentially of shaft 44 on which there is mounted a plurality of ice chipping blades 46 connected by shaft 44 to a motor mounted on each of the ice cutters 12, 22 and 26, or driven by a chain and sprocket drive contained within the housing above the ice cutter and power from within the vessel, itself, although in any event the energy requirements are met by vessel 10.

The configuration shown in FIG. 3 is that which would be typically employed for starboard oriented cutters with the mirror image of FIG. 3 being employed for portside directed cutters'in order that the ice cut will always be thrown away from the vessel.

As an alternative, there may be employed a pair of staggered intermeshing cutters (not shown). They must rotate, however, in such a manner that chipped ice is always thrown in an aft direction as this aids in propelling the vessel in a forward direction.

Since the ice chipped away ahead of both vessel 10 and framework 18 may, in some instances, strike the surfaces thereof, the frontal portions of framework 18, as well as the bow of vessel 10, are preferably provided with elastomeric or reflective surfaces (not shown) to deflect thrown chips of ice to prevent damage thereto.

While the framework attached to the port and starboard sides of vessel 10 may be fixed it is, as shown in FIG. 2, preferably retractable.

In addition to reducing drag when not in use, it offers a first distinct advantage that the degree of extension from either the port and/or starboard sides of the vessel 10 may be controlled.

For instance, the degree of expansion on each side of the vessel may be limited to the extent required for the path to be cleared through the ice. This permits limiting the degree of traverse required for pivotable ice cutters 20 and therefore reduces the energy requirements for their traversing action.

Another advantage is that only one of the extendable frameworks 18 may be extended and the other remain retracted. In this instance, the traversing ice cutter 20 associated with the retracted framework need only operate to the extent of approximately the location of the fixed ice cutter on the retained framework to cut blocks of ice approximately commensurate with the width of the vessel on the side where the framework retains retracted ice cutter 22.

On the opposed side of the vessel the framework 18 can be extended to any degree desired and cooperating with the traversing ice cutter 20, cut a track through ice to the extent of extension provided.

When the fixed or extendable framework is employed the traversing ice cutters may traverse fully to the track cut by the ice cutters 22 mounted on framework 18. Yet, it may all overlap or fall slightly short of the path cut by ice cutters 22 on the framework 18 when fully extended. Where it falls short, but substantially meets the path cut by cutters 22 on framework 18, the residual ice remaining is sufficiently small so as not to interfere with formation and movement of cut blocks of ice under the ice surface adjacent the vessel.

What is claimed is:

1. An ice removal system for cutting an open path through thin ice on the port and starboard sides of a vessel which comprises:

a. a first ice cutting means centrally mounted on the bow of a vessel and adapted to cut a path through ice;

b. a pair of pivotably mounted ice cutting means each respectively adapted to cut a traversing path through ice extending from the first ice cutting means and beyond the port and starboard sides of the vessel;

c. a pair of frameworks secured to the port and starboard sides of the vessel, each framework respectively extending beyond the side of the vessel and providing:

i. ice cutting means adapted to substantially intersect the path cut by one of said pivotably mounted ice cutting means and ii. means to engage and urge cut blocks of ice away from the vessel and under the uncut surface of the ice.

2. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 1 in which each framework is retractable.

3. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 1 in which each ice cutting means consists of a plurality of ice chipping blades secured to a motor driven rotatable shaft.

4. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to urge blocks of cut ice away from the vessel and under the surface of the ice consists of a plurality of inclined runners projecting downwardly from each framework the runners adapted to progressively engage blocks of cut ice and move them away from the vessel under the surface of the ice.

5. An ice removal system for cutting an open path through thin ice on the port and starboard sides of a vessel which comprises:

a. a first ice cutting means centrally mounted on the bow of a vessel and adapted to cut a path through ice;

b. a pair of pivotably mounted ice means each adapted to cut a traverse path through ice extending from the first ice cutting means to beyond the port and starboard sides of the vessel;

c. a pair of expandable frameworks secured to the port and starboard sides of the vessel, each framework respectively adapted to expand to project outwardly from the side of the vessel and providing:

i. ice cutting means positioned at about the extremity of the framework, said ice cutting means adapted to be positioned to intersect the traverse path cut by a pivotably mounted ice cutting means; and

ii. means to engage and urge cut blocks of ice away from the vessel and under the uncut surface of the ice;

d. means associated with each expandable framework to extend said expandable framework from the side of the vessel and return said expandable framework to the side of the vessel.

6. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 5 in which each ice cutting means consists of a plurality of ice chipping blades secured'to a motor driven rotatable shaft.

7. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 5 in which the means to urge blocks of cut ice away from the vessel and under the surface of the ice consists of a plurality of inclined runners projecting downwardly from each framework the runners adapted to progressively engage blocks of cut ice and move them away from the vessel and under the surface of the ice. 

1. An ice removal system for cutting an open path through thin ice on the port and starboard sides of a vessel which comprises: a. a first ice cutting means centrally mounted on the bow of a vessel and adapted to cut a path through ice; b. a pair of pivotably mounted ice cutting means each respectively adapted to cut a traversing path through ice extending from the first ice cutting means and beyond the port and starboard sides of the vessel; c. a pair of frameworks secured to the port and starboard sides of the vessel, each framework respectively extending beyond the side of the vessel and providing: i. ice cutting means adapted to substantially intersect the path cut by one of said pivotably mounted ice cutting means and ii. means to engage and urge cut blocks of ice away from the vessel and under the uncut surface of the ice.
 2. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 1 in which each framework is retractable.
 3. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 1 in which each ice cutting means consists of a plurality of ice chipping blades secured to a motor driven rotatable shaft.
 4. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to urge blocks of cut ice away from the vessel and under the surface of the ice consists of a plurality of inclined runners projecting downwardly from each framework the runners adapted to progressively engage blocks of cut ice and move them away from the vessel under the surface of the ice.
 5. An ice removal system for cutting an open path through thin ice on the port and starboard sides of a vessel which comprises: a. a first ice cutting means centrally mounted on the bow of a vessel and adapted to cut a path through ice; b. a pair of pivotably mounted ice means each adapted to cut a traverse path through ice extending from the first ice cutting means to beyond the port and starboard sides of the vessel; c. a pair of expandable frameworks secured to the port and starboard sides of the vessel, each framework respectively adapted to expand to project outwardly from the side of the vessel and providing: i. ice cutting means positioned at about the extremity of the framework, said ice cutting means adapted to be positioned to intersecT the traverse path cut by a pivotably mounted ice cutting means; and ii. means to engage and urge cut blocks of ice away from the vessel and under the uncut surface of the ice; d. means associated with each expandable framework to extend said expandable framework from the side of the vessel and return said expandable framework to the side of the vessel.
 6. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 5 in which each ice cutting means consists of a plurality of ice chipping blades secured to a motor driven rotatable shaft.
 7. An ice removal system as claimed in claim 5 in which the means to urge blocks of cut ice away from the vessel and under the surface of the ice consists of a plurality of inclined runners projecting downwardly from each framework the runners adapted to progressively engage blocks of cut ice and move them away from the vessel and under the surface of the ice. 